Demolition likely for Des Moines house

DES MOINES (AP)  A 54-year-old mansion on Des Moines’ south side prized by preservationists could be torn down soon after the city issued a demolition permit.

The Des Moines Register reports Thursday the city issued the demolition permit for the home, which was owned by David and Liz Kruidenier. David Kruidenier was an executive at The Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. and Liz Kruidenier was an attorney and civil rights advocate.

David Kruidenier died in 2006. His wife died in 2011.

Preservationists say the house is a significant example of midcentury modern architecture. Steve Wilke-Shapiro, of the Des Moines Rehabbers Club, calls it a museum of midcentury development.

The new owners, who bought the property for $645,000, say structural problems make demolition necessary.